The Top Things To Do and See in St Kilda, Melbourne

Nestled in the beachside suburb of Melbourne, St Kilda is home to some of the most visited attractions in Victoria. Luna Park, St Kilda Beach and the Esplanade Market are some of the popular attractions. With a very lively and vibrant nightlife, restaurants and shops, St Kilda has become the preferred weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike.

Luna Park

St Kilda really does pack a punch with its most visited attraction, Luna Park. Completed and opened in 1912, the much-beloved local favorite quickly struck a chord with the tourists as well. With no specific entry fees, tourists can wander through the bright, vibrant and lively lanes of Luna Park for as little as $5 AUD. Luna Park is well known for its scenic railway that happens to be the oldest continually operating roller coaster in the world. In case one is looking for an exciting and adventurous day out, choose from any of the ‘pay and ride’ attractions like Mr. Moon’s gaping smile, the Carousel – dating back to 1913, the Ghost Train, the Spider, Twin Dragon and The Pharaoh’s Curse.

St Kilda Sea Baths

Unique only to St Kilda, the complex called “Chadstone by the Sea” feature’s Australia’s only seawater pool heated to a comfortable temperature, hydrotherapy spa pool and aromatherapy steam room. Tourists can later relish the fine dining experience of Kite Republic, South Pacific Health Club as well as cocktail bars and restaurants, including Republica and Captain Baxter.

Esplanade Market

Looking for someplace to have a carnival shopping experience? Head over to the Esplanade Market located between Fitzroy Street and Acland Street. The locals view the market as a popular art scene providing many of the artists and craftspeople a stepping stone in their careers.

St Kilda Beach

No day out in the Victorian suburbs is complete without some much-needed tan and the beachside sangrias. Stretching approximately 700 meters between St Kilda Marina and St Kilda Harbour, St Kilda Beach attracts swimmers, sunbathers, walkers and joggers and is a favourite destination for watersports including kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing and jet skiing. St Kilda Sea Baths and St Kilda Pier are some of the places you should visit whilst here.

St Kilda Pier

Opened in 1853, the St Kilda Pier is the actual representation of Melbourne lifestyle, strolling down the pier, fishing along with the goofy penguins who return to the Breakwater at dusk. As one walks through the pier, situated at the very end of the pier is Victorian Heritage Registered St Kilda Pavilion. Do not miss the Little Blue restaurant in the evening which boasts splendid views of the city.

St Kilda Botanical Gardens

Perfect for the early risers, the St Kilda Botanical Gardens provides the much-needed supply of fresh air and a break from the bustling Victorian life. Established in 1859, St Kilda Botanical Gardens include over 810 mature trees as well as the Alister Clarke Rose Garden and a Subtropical Rainforest conservatory. Complete with a glasshouse, giant chessboard, playground and an ornamental pond with a solar-powered Rain Man fountain, this place makes it very difficult for one to leave.

Restaurants and Bars

Here are some of the most popular and best places to get a shot of the local gastronomy. From famous joints like the Stokehouse and Cafe Di Stasio to local favorites like Cicciolina and Donovans, St Kilda ensures there is quality as well as plenty of quantity to choose from.

Stokehouse – Seafood and stunning ocean views – it’s no surprise this is such an institution.

Supernormal Canteen – Japanese Desserts and friendly pan-Asian dishes.

Fitzrovia – All Day fine dining with a rich experience of 2 decades.

Black Star Pastry – Australia’s most Instagrammed dessert, ratatouille danish and asparagus and ‘nduja number with a rather spicy twist.

Bars – The Prince Public Bar – Refined fare – classic pub counter meals – indoor and outdoor seating experience.

Prince of Wales Hotel – A relaxed pub bar in an old art deco building with a diverse crowd in the heart of St Kilda.

The Espy – After an intense redevelopment, this legendary seaside pub is lively and strong, live music, drinks, food, good times.

Palais Theatre

Since 1914 there have been numerous venues in St Kilda known as Palais. Nonetheless, the structure that stands today was made in 1927. Planned by Henry E. White, the Victorian Heritage Registered Palais Theater is viewed as a prime case of Art Deco design. Working as a film until the 1950s, the Palais Theater turned into a head unrecorded music setting in Victoria and has facilitated exhibitions from melodic icons, including the Rolling Stones, Louis Armstrong and Tom Jones.

SkyDive Melbourne

Try tandem skydiving at 15,000-meters over St Kilda with Skydive Melbourne. Venture out of your comfort zone as you leave the plane and freefall for an exciting 60 seconds at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour. Take in breathtaking 360-degree perspectives of Melbourne as you drift over Port Phillip Bay, gradually making your descent back to earth.

Excited to pay a visit to this seaside carnival town on your next trip to Melbourne and Australia? I hope you are and wish you a memorable trip. I hope you catch the 10 things to do in Melbourne while you are there!